Watch 31-year-old Nigerian French singer-songwriter, and recording artist, Asa's impressive live performance on Deezer sessions. She performed Jailer, Dead Again, and her brand-new song 'How Did Love Find Me' track 8 off her new album "Bed Of Stone" which dropped on the 25th of August, 2014.

WATCH

 

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According to soul singer Asa, she had an accident in Nashville, TN on Tuesday afternoon while taking a walk across an intersection.
She said a driver who hit her wasn’t paying attention while she was crossing a pedestrian intersection. The driver allegedly hit her and sent her flying.
Thank goodness she survived the accident with the aide of her padded butt.
Read her detail tweets below
Trouble sleep yanga wake am. I had on black pants, black jumpers, hiphone is black + I’m black. How the hell was the lady going to see me
Was in a shock for a minute. Paramedicas checked my blood pressure. Everything is fine. Thank God I’m alive today. Hope you are well.
I feel a little woozy. But everything is fine. Got a ride in a police car and let the driver off with stern warning
The driver wore tiny frames that fed up her peripherals. Told her she need jumbo glasses like mine. I’m well just a little wooz.

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Jesse Jagz

Trouble in the Chocolate City camp; top producer and one time front line artiste Jesse Garba Abaga has announced he has parted ways with the popular record label.

Jesee Jagz a few hours ago via his personal Facebook account shocked fans worldwide when he categorically stated that he was taking a ‘voluntary exit from the label’.

His statement below reads:

‘I, Jesse Garba Abaga (also known as “Jesse Jagz”) an artist formerly signed to Chocolate City Music label hereby wishes to notify my fans and the general public about my voluntary exit from the label‘, he shockingly announced.

He then goes on to explain that his initial contractual agreement with the label had expired and he is not willing to move on with a new one.

‘After my initial two year contractual agreement with Chocolate City, I do not wish to renew my contract with them and as such have proceeded to continue my music career with my new team at Jesse Jagz Nation.

‘I still maintain a cordial relationship with the management of Chocolate City and my former label mates and I wish them the best in all their future endeavors’, he explained.

Jesse has also announced that he will be releasing his long awaited second album under his own imprint JagzNation. ‘Any further information will be passed across through my publicist but until then, have a good day. Look out for my sophomore album JagZNation Vol. 1 coming out in July 2013.

Jesse’s manager could not be reached for comments as his mobile phone was switched off. He did not respond to text messages also. Top executive at the label Audu Maikori and another rep for the label Aibee Abidoye could also not be reached as they didn’t reply their E-mails as at the time of this report.

Jesse Jagz, 28, signed unto to the label along with his elder brother Jude ‘M.I’ Abaga in 2008 after the latter became an instant success with his debut ‘Talk About It‘.

Jesse Jagz in late 2009 went on to release his debut ‘Jagz of All Trades’ which spuned the hit songs ‘Wetin dey’ amongst other chart topping songs.

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Eedris Adbulkareem

Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has called Olusegun Obasanjo’s a ‘Mugu’ after the former president recently criticized him for recording his 2004 hit song ‘Jaga jaga’.

Obasanjo while speaking at a forum organized by Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) on Tuesday, August 28, 2012, recalled Abdulkareem’s 2004 hit track ‘Jaga jaga’ sayng that the KENNIS Music rapper doesn’t believe in the future of the country.

Apparently angered by Obasanjo’s statement, Abdulkreem took to micro-blogging site Twitter to bear his mind out.

Eedris called OBJ his ‘joy therapy’, stating it is obvious ‘Obasanjo can’t do without him’

‘It’s obvious that Obasanjo can’t do without me. I’m his joy therapy. Mr expresident, Nigeria still dey jagajaga infact worst pass jagajaga‘, @idris_Abdulkarm tweeted.

He then called Obasanjo a Boko Haram member challenging him to let ‘Goodluck rule in peace’.

‘President Obasanjo if you trully love Goodluck as u claimed why dont you talk to your fellow boko haram member to let Goodluck rule in peace’.

Eedris didn’t stop there as he then went on to call the PDP leader a ‘mugu’, ‘Mr expresident, I heard you were talking about me in ur last interview hahahahahhahah its obvious you cant do without me.you are my mugu. Obasanjo na my mugu oooo na jeje i dey, u dey look for trouble oooo…. hahahahahhahahahahhahahah’.

‘Mr ex president, u be my mugu!’, he added.

Eedris says he is inspired and will be hitting the studio to record a new song titled ‘Obasanjo na my friend’.

‘Watchout for my new single Obasanjo na my friend…Obasanjo, thank you for making me a star infact talk more about me. I’m inspired!!‘, he tweeted.

Eedris Abdulkareem who recently claim to be the reason artistes like D'Banj, P-Square and others were getting paid today. 

This statement has highly been reacted to by many, who have had mixed feelings and reactions to it, believed it was uncalled for by the Kennis Music artiste to have said such. Some felt it was just a publicity stunt by Eedris to remain relevant in the news. 

Reacting to Eedris' statement was Don Jazzy. The Mavin Records boss tweeted, "But I won't put it exactly like that. I think what he (Eedris) meant was [that] guys like him, our father 2baba, Tetuila, Eldee etc inspired us to join the game (music industry).

"So, if they didn't inspire us to join the game, we won't be getting paid. True, baba (Eedris) tuale.

I used to mime 'Shako Mo', 'Belinda' and 'Omode Meta Sere' [while] in secondary school. So, baba (Eedris) has the right to yarn (talk) anything o."

However, Don baba J, as the multiple award-winning music producer is fondly called did a joke on Wizkid when jokingly tweeted afterwards on being respected by Wizkid as he has done to 2Face, Eedris and others. 

He tweeted, "that been said, 'oya', Wizkid, anyday you don't 'tuale for me', when I see you 'ehnnnnn', I go 'wozzzzzzz (slap)' you 22 slaps. lol."

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ASA

Courtesy of Factory 78, watch some live performances from top Nigerian musicians including soul singer Asa, African Pop king 2face Idibia, Naeto C, Tiwa Savage and guitarist Keziah Jones.

Watch below…

Naeto C performing…

Tiwa Savage performing…

Asa performing…

2face performing…

Keziah Jones performing…

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It’s two years and two months since the C.E.O  Dagrin passed away, but we haven’t been able to get his music out of our lives – from the DJ still spinning his hits in the club, to the hustler by the corner whistling ‘Ghetto Dreams‘, it’s going to take a long time; maybe never…

With two albums, he earned his spot as an icon, but many fans have been wondering if the rapper, like slain rap icons Notorious B.I.G and 2Pac, left behind any unreleased material.

Hopes were raised after long-time Hip-hop producer Frenzy released Dagrin’s first posthumous material ‘If I die‘. And with Spinlet taking over the project, which will see a release of Dagrin’s third and first posthumous album, titled ‘Invincible Bulletproof‘, things are looking up.

It would however be unfair to call the latest single ‘Haters‘ a good Dagrin song. With just an intro, The producer gathers a poorly selected five-man team made up of newbies Dammy Krane, Tipsy and struggling upcomers – Pellyhustle, Bigstreet and Oba Dice to feature on what is meant to launch an album campaign.

What makes matters worse is that Dagrin – who is meant to own the song, only drops a one-liner intro – very embarrassing.

Download ‘Haters’ from Spinlet

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News of a rumoured death of popular Yoruba comic actor, Bolaji Amusan popularly known as Mr Latin went viral some hours ago.

Just few minutes ago, we placed a call through to Mr Latin to confirm the death story.

He confirmed that he is not dead but alive. He also wondered where the news story emanated from. He told us that he would investigate the root of his death rumour.

When asked where he was, he said he was in his house at Abeokuta.

Also, his younger brother, Kola Amusan, who is also an actor, told us on mobile call that his brother is not dead as earlier rumoured.

He asked who wants his brother dead.

Just some hours before his rumoured death news, Mr Latin was active on twitter where he related with his followers on the social networking site.I'm Not Dead But Alive**Mr Latin Cries Out





listen to the call

we sincerely apologize for the false information, our investigation team is on the situation.

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Along with the entire team of Entertainment Talks, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year, filled with love, light, peace, joy and good health for 2012!

It's a been a tough past year once again for many, but no matter what, you guys are still visitng our blog, and if you haven't visited us yet, we're hoping you want to. That's why we Entertainment Talks will be positing update news in Entertain World. So don't worry: Even if you can't get Entertainment World just yet, we'll keep bringing Entertainment World to you.





I'd also like to take this opportunity to extend a very special thanks to all of our writers, contributors, and partners.


We appreciate the continued support we get from all of our readers and look forward to a great 2012 with you!


With gratitude,


Entertainment Talks Team.



Note: To become one of  our writers, contributors, and partners, kindly send mail to: yomiteng@aol.com.

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Asa

This is the best place to be at this time. If you are not experiencing Calabar this Christmas season, then you are not experiencing anything at all. So I would advise those who are outside the city to take some time out and visit Calabar this period. There’s just everything. Peace, hospitality and an atmosphere filled with fun and excitement. I can’t wait for the carnival. Everybody just has to be here. As they say, the taste of the pudding is in the eating.”

For 32 days, Calabar, the Cross River State capital will witness exciting cultural events and colourful activities that usually attract millions of people all over the world. Since inception, this festival, which has become one of the biggest tourism and leisure attractions in West Africa, has grown tremendously in popularity and scope.

Over the past years, the Cross River State government has used this carnival to drive its tourism sector and provide exposure for its citizens, as well as develop its vast tourism sites and infrastructure such as the Obudu Ranch Resort, the Tinapa Business Resort, Marina Resort.

The festival commenced with a tree-lighting ceremony on November 30 at the Millennium Park, Calabar and will end with a thanksgiving ceremony on January 1 of the succeeding year.

Usually, musical concerts that feature renowned national and international artistes are used to make the carnival very attractive. People like the late Lucky Dube, Joe, Alpha Blondy, Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Akon, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Chevelle Franklyn, Fat Joe, NeYo, Asa, D’banj had at one time or the other graced the event with their rhythms and lyrics.

Other attractions of the festival include awareness campaign and seminars on contemporary issues of global concern, children’s Christmas camp, theatre performances, vocational training for youths, fashion and food fair, a weekend at the Obudu Mountain Resort to celebrate Africa, and so many other side attractions. Of course there is usually a two-day carnival to spice up the season.

Despite the fun and relaxed atmosphere around the carnival, a great degree of thought, creativity and discipline goes into the interpretation of the carnival theme under a strict adjudication process. The result is pure magic – an outpouring of colour, sound and spectacle, unmatched by anything else on the continent.

Calabar Carnival takes place on December 26 and 27 each year, and is the highlight of the 32-day festival which runs from  November 30 to January 1. The carnival is the largest cultural festival in Africa, with 50,000 costumed revelers, 2 million spectators and an audience of over 50 million television viewers on NTA Network, NTA International, AIT, CRBC and Continental TV (Africa Magic, Channel 0 and MTV Base).

The carnival features 5 major competing bands and many others.

The major bands comprise of approximately 10,000 revelers each, including up to five kings and queens wearing large scale costumes that interpret the annual theme and set the tone for the other outfits.

Sections of these costumed revelers create a riot of colour and sparkle, accompanied by live music, DJs, well-decorated floats and steel bands. The carnival parade terminates at the U. J. Esuene Stadium which is the final adjudication and end point of the competition for the ‘Band of the Year’ in various categories. This competition attracts an additional 15,000 seated spectators and 10,000 others in and around the stadium, as well as 50 million TV viewers.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State unveiled the theme for the year: “Endless Possibilities” during a ceremony tagged, “A Glimpse of Destination, Cross River.” He described as “tedious and tasking, the process of finding a suitable theme for the carnival because it is more than dancing and costuming as the latest does not reflect the previous ones.”

Each of the five carnival bands are guided by the theme and expected to work hard to interpret them into dance, float and costume as they affect the people and the future.This year’s festival is well-packaged and better than the previous editions as it is driven by the visions shown a few years ago.

The Calabar Festival was initiated by the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Donald Duke.  Unveiling the ceremony was only a tip of the iceberg as more await those that intend to visit Cross River State this December.

All things being equal, business booms as the Calabar festival village begins. For revelers and fun seekers in the country, there can be no better place to be in this yuletide season than the Cross River State capital, especially with the opening of the festival village at the cultural centre complex. The festival village, strategically located at the middle of town at the moment, is the hub of economic activities and revelry and the perfect place to relax, socialise and have a good time.

However, it is not all about song and dance, the organisers of this landmark event said. “It is a festival that showcases the best of music, culture and talent. The festival is Cross River State’s tourism niche,” says Nzan Ogbe, special adviser to the state governor on Events Management.

Youths in particular stand to benefit from the festival as there are programmes aimed at training interested youths in various aspects of events production, management and entertainment. According to him, the festival committee worked round the clock to ensure that visitors to the serene city of Calabar during this period go away with a full sense of satisfaction.

New activities have been introduced, such as the Calabar Water Carnival—a boat regatta that would showcase the state’s rich culture on water, a food fair, which will also bring to the fore the state’s cuisine, the governor’s masked ball, a unique charity event and a host of other fascinating programmes.

“The festival is a compendium of activities with diverse scope and content, which we try to improve on every year,” Ogbe concluded, adding, “With new initiatives introduced this year and a strong committee, I can say we are going places and reaching for the higher height.”

However, due to reports of persistent stealing of handbags, snatching of GSM Phones, raping of innocent women and other atrocities perpetrated during Christmas festivals in the state, the Cross River State government has reeled out rules for Calabar Festival.

Government had warned spectators and participants at the festival not to attend the various ceremonies with their handbags or any other bag, noting that the safety and comfort of participants were paramount to the government.

The statement made available to LEADERSHIP WEEKEND said, “Spectators are advised not to come with handbags or any other bag to the venue of the festival events. Your safety and comfort is our topmost concern. Enjoy the Calabar Festival peacefully. The statement added, “The general public is hereby advised to note that the Calabar Festival stadium entrance, through the Naval Base, is strictly for holders of paid tickets.”

Other spectators to grace the event at the stadium who are not paying are advised to use the entrances through the Murtala Muhammed highway as well as the IBB Way, with their destinations clearly marked on them.

Interestingly, Governor Liyel Imoke expressed happiness over the number of private sponsors the festival has attracted, including Nigeria’s top brands, First Bank, Guinness and Dangote Group.

On the security of tourists in the face of the current situation in the country, the governor said he would not take anything for granted as effort is being intensified to revamp the Emergency Response Centre and reposition it for quicker response while 20 independent special security squad is to be strategically located at various points in the state to check any breach of peace.

Answering questions on why the festival is allowed into the night, he said  the initiative was deliberate because that is the right period for the  sponsors to get value for their investment as many people would be glued to their television sets.

D'banj and Tuface

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Monica is winner of MTN Project Fame 2011! Season 4

It was to everyone’s delight that the 22 year old was announced winner of  2.5 million naira, a fully loaded Toyota RAV 4 jeep and a
recording deal worth millions of naira.

The competition which has kept viewers glued to their TV set for 10 weeks was down to six finalists – Ethel, Ruth, Yvonne, Roy, Ese and
Monica came down to its final four this weekend, Sunday, December 18, 2011.

Monica emerged winner and went home with the grand prize while Roy, the last man standing came out as the first runner up (1.5 million naira and a fully loaded Toyota Corolla car). Ese was the second runner up and went away with 1 million naira and a fully loaded Toyota Yaris and Ghanaian Ethel was the third runner up (one million naira).

The final contestants also known as the “Sensational Six” presented two performances each during the show. They performed one of the memorable songs they had done earlier in the competition as well as their personal compositions.

Their music videos were premiered and sync ed with their stage performances. Monica stood out as she sang 2face Idibia’s “Only me” and her own personal composition “Na You”.

“You have an amazing voice and you know how to connect with the audience with your voice and your body language. You have greatly improved since you entered into the academy and you have evolved into a star…Weldone!” Kwame told Monica after her performances.

“You always know how to put the perfect amount of energy and body language into a song. You also know how to engage your audience in every song you perform and you have an amazing voice…you were definitely born to do this!” Ige said to Monica after her performance.

Speechless after being pronounced winner of the MTN Project Fame West Africa season 4, Monica appreciated God, the Project fame Judges, Faculty and fans. “I am very grateful for all the love and training I have received since I got into the academy. I feel very blessed and I promise not to let you all down.”

The event was well attended by the cream-de-la-cream in the society and also had surprise guest performances by International R&B group, Dru Hill who thrilled the crowd with amazing songs from their old time album. Award-winning rave of the moment, Wizkid was also at the show and he pulled the house down with an exciting performance. Winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa season 3, Chidinma who launched her first album titled “Chidinma” on Saturday, December 17, 2011 on the Project Fame stage, also performed at the grand finale.

The other 11 contestants who got evicted during the competition were also present to support the final six contestants and show them love.

Notable faces at the event include Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Honorable Abike Dabiri who presented Monica with her prize, Mr Bola Akingbade (C.M.O, MTN Nigeria), Veteran Actor, Chief Olu Jacobs, international artiste, Leanne Lyons from R&B group, SWV(Sisters with Voices), Ayo Animashaun, Saint Obi, Omobaba among other guests.

MTN Project Fame West Africa which started in 2008 has produced some of Nigeria’s rising stars and Monica has now joined the list of winners in Project Fame West Africa.

Hon. Abike Dabiri

Hon. Abike and Monica

The Winner of Project Fame West Africa Season 4

Chidinma PFWA Season 3 Winner

Dru Hill Performing on Stage

Dru Hill

Ese receiving her prize money and car keys

Ese Second Runner up

Ether Third Runner Up

Ethel Receiving Her Price

Monica hugging her Mum

Monica and Mum

Monica and the Hosts

Monica announced as the Winner of Project Fame West Africa Season 4

Monica Performing on Stage

Olu Jacobs presenting Roy (1st Runner up) with his prize money and car keys

Roy performing on stage

Roy and Mum

Ruth

Wife and Saint Obi

The PFWA Faculty

The PFWA Judges

Wiz Kid

Wiz Kid performing on stage

Yvonne

Yvonne

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Is there anything people won’t do to make their butts bigger?

A fake cosmetic surgeon set up shop in Miami Gardens, Florida, then proceeded to inject everything but the kitchen sink into his patient’s rear ends.

30-year old transgender woman, Oneal Ron Morris, is accused of injecting cement, mineral oils and fix-a-flat into the buttocks of at least one woman. He then sealed the incision with super glue.

The not-yet-identified victim became seriously ill, and had to be hospitalized with a staph infection (MRSA) and pneumonia.

Cement was one of the chemicals Morris injected into his victim

“This cocktail of chemicals went into her body and caused her terrific pain,” said Sgt. Bill Bamford.

Morris, who also injected himself with the chemicals has been arrested and charged with practicing medicine without a license and causing bodily harm.

The victim in the case paid $700 for the procedure and is lucky to be alive.

Watch the video

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There is war on Twitter between chocolate city's MI Abaga and the self acclaimed akpako master terry G.
MI had tweeted innocently wanting to know the meaning of Akpako. MI's curiosity did not go down well with terry G who resorted to insulting
Mr Incredible. See picture of Terry G's tweet below.

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The duo of Peter and Paul of the P.spuare fame clocked 27 years on friday Nov 18. Watchout for pictures on your darling Naija Whistle. What do you think of the replay of their celebration?








History
The story of P-Square began in St. Murumba secondary school, a small Catholic  school in Jos, Nigeria. Identical twins Peter and Paul joined their school music and drama club where they began singing, dancing, and miming songs by MC Hammer, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson.

They later formed an acappella quartet called "MMMPP" (M Clef a.k.a Itemoh, Michael, Melvin, Peter and Paul). Drawing inspiration from their music idol Michael Jackson, they began break dancing, formed the group called "Smooth Criminals" in 1997. They droped M Clef from the group "MMMPP" which later was changed to "MMPP". Their artistic talent and precise dance routine soon made them household names in the city of Jos, where they performed at school functions and other occasions.

Later in 1999, Peter and Paul returned to music school to develop their skills on keyboard, drums, bass and rhythm guitar. Their work includes the soundtracks for a number of films like Tobi, Mama Sunday, Moment of Bitterness and Evas River.

Later in 1999, they applied to the University of Abuja to study Business Administration. The Smooth Criminals disbanded when its members left to various other universities. Subsequently Peter and Paul formed their own group, variously called "Double P", "P&P", and "Da Pees", until they eventually settled on "P Square". They are managed by Bayo Odusami aka Howie T, a seasoned concert promoter and the CEO of Adrot Nigeria Limited.

In 2001, "P-Square" won the "Grab Da Mic" competition, and hence Benson & Hedges sponsored their debut album, titled Last Nite, which was released under Timbuk2 music label. P-Square was also nominated as "Most Promising African Group" in the Kora Awards three months after the release of their debut album. They eventually won the 2003 Amen Award for "Best R&B Group".

In 2005, P Square released their second album, Get Squared under their own label, Square Records. This album was marketed nationwide by TJoe Enterprises, although they were still managed by Howie T of Adrot Nigeria Limited. The video for the second album held the #1 position on the MTV Base chart for four straight weeks.

They have an ever growing fan base across South Africa with a particular stronghold of die-hard fans in Cape Town.

The group has performed alongside the following international artists like Ginuwine, Sean Paul, Akon and Busola Keshiro. The members of P Square are now located in Lagos.

Late in 2007, they released their best selling album so far, Game Over. It has sold 8 million copies worldwide.

In 2009, P-Square released their fourth studio album, Danger. The album features collaborations with 2face Idibia, J Martins and Frenzy. The first single called "Danger" is a hip hop song with cutting synths and a frog bass baseline similar to an Eminem song. The video affirms this with the presence of clowns and staggered movements in front of the camera reminiscent of comical videos by Eminem. They are also known for the close resemblance which the twins have to American R&B Superstar, Usher Raymond.

On 4 April 2010, P-Square was named the Artist of the Year at the KORA All Africa Music Awards in Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso while they were in London for a Concert at the Troxy, and they will receive a whopping sum of $1 Million Dollars as the Award Winners, in Ebebiyin City.


Controversies
The duo are reported to handle most of their production/beat making in house. The band has been faced with many controversies for their habit of sampling western songs and popular hits in their records. They have addressed the issue many times in interviews as well as in the lyrics of their songs.[2] Technically speaking, P Square does more in the line of reconstructing the drum patterns, chord progressions or lyrics of the sampled songs as against actually cutting parts of the song and directly sampling into their production. This accounts for the largely electronic feel of their sound.

Some of the songs which have been called up on this account include "Get Squared", "Game Over", "Danger" and others.

P-Square attracted headlines when they reportedly turned irate when they were notified in the middle of their at the Guinness Show performance by the organisers about some change in plans which would affect the length of their performance, and that of the next act, 2face.

As reported by a news site vanguardngr.com, the info apparently stirred up resentment as Peter immediately said "I don’t know why, anytime a foreign artiste comes to Nigeria, they (show organizers) wanna treat us like slaves in our country". Although initially they continued their performance but midway through, they threw their microphones to the ground and angrily stormed out of the stage saying, "We are leaving; they don’t want 2face to come on stage" They were said to have immediately left the premises of the show, but after intervention of the show organisers, they came on stage later with 2face for a performance, but later on were apologised to.

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If marriage is a diamond, then for majority of Nigerian actresses, finding that diamond is akin to looking for a needle in a haystack. Even among the lucky ones, many have discovered to their dismay that ‘‘diamonds are not forever”.
This poignant reality was recently reinforced by the shocking news that the marriage of Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, one of Nollywood’s top actresses, has hit the rocks. The Rivers of Tears actress, who turned 40 in July, called it quits with her 12-year old marriage to her British husband, Roderick James Nuttal. She told EE: “I have no comment on the issue. I have my daughter to think about.” The out-of-love couple is silently swotting in the background to effect a rancour-free and publicity-devoid divorce. For friends and fans of the star actress, and general observers of the Nigerian film industry, this latest development is sad and shocking.
What made the separation so repugnant is the fact that Kate Henshaw’s union used to be regarded as one of the few “working marriages” in the industry.

With the sad development, observers of the Nigerian film industry can’t shy away from the big question: Why is marriage such a cross for Nollywood stars? Earlier in August, another A-List actress, Mercy Johnson, got married under unwholesome circumstances that generated a deafening media noise.
Is marital failure in the movie industry such a big deal? After all, here and there, a slew of marital misadventures litter the corridors of Nollywood. However, when the facts and figures, the personas and personalities involved, are properly distilled, the disturbing result would make one jump to the conclusion that a ‘star marriage’ is jinxed. All it takes is a browse through the ‘Black Book’ of Nollywood marriages, to discover that not less than 25 top actresses had waded through the ‘marital swamp’ and came out divorced or separated.

Many reasons, one result
If every actress concerned were to narrate “My Failed Marriage Story,” the slants of individual experience will vary. Some unions were dissolved on the altar of infidelity. Eucharia Anunobi (Glamour Girls II) claimed she caught her husband and their housemaid on the couple’s matrimonial bed in a compromising position. The Face of a Liar star, Stella Damasus, in a reverse order was shown the red card by her 10-month-old second husband on an alleged sins of promiscuity, notably, a particular romp in London which was uncovered by a Lagos-based tabloid.
Other actresses were casualties of Runaway Husbands Syndrome (RHS). Representatives of this category include: Jennifer Eliogu who lost her five-year-old marriage to a Swiss lady, when her husband suddenly took a walk from their marriage. Stephnora Okere, whose ex husband, Lanre Falana wedded here in Nigeria and later abandoned for his London base without returning to their matrimonial home in Nigeria, again. Shan George, a veteran of three-crashed marriages, whose husbands No. 1 and No. 3 checked out of the union by ‘absconding’; the latter, a Nollywood producer, relocated to Germany. Oge Okoye and Chika Ike, are also top players in this category.
Other marriages were rendered asunder on account of domestic violence. Kiss and Tell actress, Monalisa Chinda is a renowned example of those inside the ‘domestic violence quadrant’. Beaten ‘blue and black’ by her hubby, she vacated her marital sanctuary in 2009 and has been living a more secured life of single parenthood.
Some actresses, who found themselves in the ‘offside position’ of the marital field, blamed the fiascos on “irreconcilable differences”; from  Fathia Balogun, (whose marriage to her second husband, fellow actor Saidi Balogun, hit the rocks in 2008) to Ayo Adesanya, (who reportedly packed out of her matrimonial home due to incompatibility and an unending battery and assault from her husband, Hassan Goriola) and Out of Bounds actress, Foluke Daramola (who jumped out of her crisis-plagued four-year-old marriage because of the trauma of domestic frictions).

The All Seasons Singles Club’
Still, the Nollywood marriage conundrum has yet another flipside: a seraglio of screen sirens stranded on the cusp between “in a relationship” and “inside a marriage” - not for lack of charms, nor for dearth of suitors. This bevy of beauties achieved fame and fortunes within our living memory. Some of them have spent a decade or more on the big screens. In a parallel world, as professionals in other fields other than acting – bankers, nurses or lawyers - they would all have been married. Every season, they remain spinsters, even though they ‘ride on chariots of blue-chip relationships’. The roll call include multiple award-winning Genevieve Nnaji, multi-talented Uche Jombo, and devil-may-care Uche Ogbodo. The trio of Rita Dominic, Funke Akindele and Benita Nzeribe also belong to the singles circle alongside Oby Edozieh. The ‘Spinster Squad’ also include famous beauties like: Lilian Bach, Bimbo Akintola, the one and only “Our Lady of Boobs”, Cossy Orjiakor. Queen of controversy, Empress Njamah, is also on the register.

The pass mark
On the balance sheet of Nollywood marriage, the credit side is lean. Marriages that are intact are few and still ‘green’ to be declared successful. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, whose 15-year-old marriage has produced four children, is the best known example. Then, there is mother-of-three-sons Omoni Oboli. The star of the award-winning Anchor Baby has sustained her marriage for 11 years. Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha has clocked five years in her marital sojourn. Ini Edo-Ehiagwina is in her third year. Dakore Akande has just experienced 10 months of marriage. A further four or five names can be added to the list and that is about the size of it. The “working marriages” still have the hurdle of 25-year silver benchmark ahead. To become a vintage marriage, they have to beat the Olu Jacob-Joke Silva test.

Breaking the riddle jinx
Sultry star actress, StephNora Okere, a casualty of a failed marriage, in an exclusive interview with EE recently, avows: “Broken marriage is not a Nollywood thing; it’s a society thing. But it is an anomaly, because this part of the world is quick to pick up vices from the western world; it’s part of the vices Third World countries are picking from the Americas of this world.”
Ngozi Nwosu, another victim of a failed marriage, who played the character of Peace in the popular television comedy series, Fuji House of Commotion, once provided an insight based on her personal experience:  “Suddenly, I became a star and he (her husband) grew uncomfortable with it. This was the genesis of our quarrel. He wasn’t at home with the attention I was getting”.
Bukky Wright, the twice-married, twice-divorced sexy actress also sang the same tune. “Nigerian men lack confidence, especially to manage successful women”, she once asserted.
Another victim, revered thespian, Clarion Chukwura, star of the 1984 Mirror in the Sun had a poignant perspective of what she called “marriages that don’t work”. Marriage, she opined, is a fusion of two minds on the platform of joyful co-existence, and when it goes awry, she averred, “Either of the parties should walk away instead of living in misery.”

Despite the gloom-doom aura surrounding ‘star marriage’ in the film industry, actresses still hold it in high esteem.  Those who are yet to marry talk about “marriage when it is right” or “marriage with Mr. Right”. Marrying right seems to be a jinx in Nollywood.

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In the spirit of the upcoming yuletide season, Ijeoma who premiered  her first single Oloomi a while ago, has decided to release a song dedicated to the holiday season.

The title of the song is Love In The Air and it features one of Nigeria’s fast upcoming rappers Vector. It’s not too early to start celebrating is it?

The concept of the video is setting in a homely gathering with friends and family. Something everyone wishes to be part of. Cameo appearances include Terry Tha Rapman, Djinee and Wale Waves.

Click Play to watch

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Ace music producer singer and avid songwriter Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo is nothing short of a professional in the field of music. Although he is visually impaired, Cobhams’ works have given birth to different careers such as Asa and Bez through his Cobhams Asuquo Music Production (CAMP) outfit.

Having worked with a handful of artistes including Darey, Banky W and Omawumi, Cobhams who signed to Sony ATV in 2005 has over the years risen to be one of the best producers in the country.

The award winning producer recently met up with Adesope Olajide of Factory 78 in the UK for a concert held by Aaron T Aaron and friends in London….

Good day, how are you doing sir?

I’m very well thank you and you sir

Not bad at all we had to come here to meet you like we usually do when people come out to the UK, we come out and speak to you because we have been hearing a lot about you for years now so to be in the presence of Cobhams Asuquo, you know the great one like Banky W would say. How was your trip coming down?

Absolutely, I don’t know what you are talking about, my trip was good and I loved it.

You are a producer, musician, let’s take it back for a lot of people that have heard your music for a long time, this might actually be the first time people see and hear from the horse’s mouth. (Laughs) So Mr Cobhams tell us how you got into the industry, where did that fire come from?

(Sigh) In a matter of senses I think I was born to be a musician, express myself through music so I think I was born to use music as a tool, as a driving force to make my mark, say what it is you know have been called to establish my purpose on earth and I think I started music by puffing my cheeks in trying to play the tough five blues when I was around five, six and it progressed. I hate to say this but it’s true; a friend of mine Wrangler Rotimi stole his sister’s piano and brought it to me so I had to learn how to start playing the piano. I proceeded to play for the Catholic churches as an organist, at the age of nine I was playing the organ and you know other stuffs like that but I think my entry into the industry was through creating adverts materials for advertising agencies. The whole story began when I met Big Bamo from Maintain, Back then, he will decide to give me the chance to produce some songs and then I did ‘Catch cold’ and a couple of other songs so I guess it just started from there, I met Faze of the Plantation Boiz and a couple of others who thought my sample was different at the time. I heard a lot of music but I yearned for a different sound and I wanted the music that I heard to be represented in my country with our indigenous sound blended into it and I wanted a certain quality of music instituted into the system and there were the likes of Paul Play Dairo and OJB Jezreel were doing that so I guess I just rode on their wings, on their shoulders and have gone far in the industry.

You were once signed to Questionmark, was it as a musician, producer or a writer?

I was an in-house producer and writer for Questionmark for about a year, very interesting time in my life quite honestly, a time I’m grateful for.

That’s where you met a couple of people like Asa. Was that where the union between you and her came to be?

Actually that was where but I can say I actually took Asa to Questionmark because she and I were friends before Questionmark came into the scene. A friend of ours, a mutual friend Janet, who later went on to become Asa’s best friend and manager introduced us, brought us together and then you know Muyiwa Majek her then manager got interested in me working with her so we got together and then Questionmark came into the scene and it was the next big thing for all of us so we literally scampered there like little rats that came to cheese. So we were in there, you know that was the transformation point of our lives until Asa moved on to Naïve in  France and I moved on to start my own business Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions.

In the press here especially when we were reading stuffs online, on the internet, we found information that you also worked the Sony music international. Is that authentic or its just internet chatter?

I was signed into Sony ATV which is the publishing arm of Sony music in November 2005 as a songwriter, so it isn’t internet chatter, (laughs).

You know one aspect of your sound, your talents that surprises a lot of people is that you have not been visually impaired to disturb your productivity, your success in the industry or your line of work. Tell us the inspiration about that and how you channel such energy to be useful especially millions of people around the world that listen to your music?

I think my inspiration is straight and simple, God. I think God is the source of every inspiration whether or not we don’t choose to admit it; it doesn’t change the fact. I’m inspired by God through various means and through different people. I think if we should look at some things we all have our different forms of shortcomings or impairments from God. For instance, I don’t know that you can play golf, can you?

No
Great, there we have it.
I can’t play the organ as well

Yes, you can learn, who is to say technology in the next 15 years cannot make it possible for me to play golf so you think it is taking advantage of what you can do and you’re focusing on it but there is a lot that we can still do. For me I have decided to focus on the things that I can do and have observed that there is a lot that I can do so it’s just practice and practice and trust in God because that is the starting points.

Plus I’m a very positive person and I see results from all what I can do and results encourage you because you see positive things from it all and you know as it grows into a tree it gives you the effrontery, the audacity to try more. So I think that is what it is for me I think have seen my little things yield results so that’s what edged me on to try bigger things.

Another interesting part for music producers especially today in the United States R&B, Hip-Hop they usually have one young one that they’ve listened to, learned from. But looking at your work and reading stuff about you, I saw that yours is Classical music, you said something about the church and you also did Akpala Music as well. What were your influences when it came to production and music in general?

I think us as human beings, our products of influence in general and I have allowed myself to be influenced by so many varying opinions, sight ideologies, device and the rest. There was a time in my life when I was listening to Haruna Ishola, Aina Omowura, Atawewe and the likes of them and there been times in my life when I have listened to underground Hip-Hop like Guru and Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Common to everyday music Rihanna, Jay z, Beyonce, I’ve been influenced by the likes of Dr. Dre, Timbaland to classical music Tchaikovsky and the likes, I could go on and on Jazz music like Joe Sample, Macias Miller and the like. I mean I love music and have allowed myself to be influenced by it all. My family played a very integral role so did my father; he played a lot of music like Jimmy Cliff and all that and it really just drove me…. and I think this is something that has influenced me and has moved me into a different genre of music that I’m able to produce and we are creatures so we are able to sort of mimic and also improve that mimicry so that is how we learn to talk, to walk and also interact, to go to school and gain the knowledge that others have gained, we could step forward and I think I will try my best to put myself in that category. It’s not easy but it is what it is.

Absolutely I feel I’m in school and I’ve gone through R&B, Jazz and Hip-Hop, Apala music. I’m sure a lot of people would like to know Cobhams, who out there in the Afro beat scene or the internationally, tell us

Internationally do you mean the African circuit?

No let’s start with the international aspect.

That’s very tough, which international act am I feeling right now? I don’t know, there could be a lot of African acts in my mind right now that are international because I think they are breaking into that circuit. I’m definitely feeling Asa, Zamajobe. There’s this new, well I think she is. I don’t know, is she’s international? But I think she is because I just met her a few days and I’m feeling her music she is called Mutabi Sing, she’s from South Africa. You know I’m feeling her stuff and I think Lagbaja is an international musician by all standards and he is a major influence to my life, you know I feel his stuff. Who I’m I feeling? (Sigh) I don’t have a favourite person. I have moved from different points in my life, from Fred Hammond to Danny McCauley and Dan is someone I have a lot of regards for so I don’t know if there is any international act that I can mention whose name comes to mind you know, they are in number.

Now with the names you’ve mentioned, I’m sure a lot of people can see that there is a similarity in the artists that you’ve mentioned, first of all they are conscious musician, they play one or two instruments and they have strong vocals so basically what you are trying to say is a credible musician?

Music is an art, no matter how much you try to commercialize it. It is important to commercialize it so that it can have saleability so that you are not speaking a language that is ambiguous to everybody but music is still remains an art and there is something that distinguish a Caravaggio painting or a Leonardo da Vinci painting, I mean whatever painting from just everyday bubble gum gravity or regular work of art, music is still an art and I think that sacredness, that thing that makes it music should be respected and I respect it because that is why I do music and I respect other artists who for whatever reason tilts in that direction.

Fantastic, you are here in the UK; you are performing with one of Nigeria’s finest gospel act, Aaron T. How do you feel?

Yes. ‘Performing’ is a word that I’m a bit hesitant to use when I think of myself, doing what have been called to do what I’m supposed to do, which is sharing the world of gospel with the people through music, and just encouraging people, inspiring people. It’s a ministry, you are ministering to people, you are changing someone’s opinion; being a part of a process that changes someone’s life. So ministering in my mind is more appropriate, so I am ministering tomorrow with Aaron T. And you know I am excited because this is someone that have spoken to countless times and he has such a heart for God that’s amazing, especially in these times. We’re just sort of Prevaricate, you know a lot of people are prevaricate of thoughts, the way they say these things that are not necessarily true, about their faith, about their way of life. But Aaron for me is someone who I can trust because I’ve received countless of invitation from people in the U.K to do things, but for me it’s important that the heart is right, because you will face the consequences of your action at the end of the day. So Aaron is someone I’m so humbled by and encouraged to be doing this with. And everyone is proud of his team, from Gozie who I used know way back in secondary school, to Muyiwa Olanrewaju who is an icon and someone we all respect. So it’s an amazing opportunity for me and I’m excited about it.

Speaking about the heart, you’ve just been married couple of months ago.

Yeah. (Laughs)

Tell us about married life especially for someone that works so hard? You are always in the studio either working with artistes or producing music for yourself and producing for other people as well. So how are you settling into married life and how’s the Mrs Taking those long hours in the studio?

I have to say, the Mrs is the most beautiful, the most understanding and she is also completely special, and I think that’s what happens when you marry right. I don’t know any man has the wisdom to marry right, which is why it is important that God is involved in the whole process. I went into marriage taking certain things into consideration. Number one; there is no marriage built on the foundation of God  that will not make it through, and number two; it is important that you marry your friend. Number three; it is important that you marry for the right reasons and beauty is not exactly one of them, it may be a reason but it is not top priority. And this has nothing with me not being able to see. And trust me, because I have met and I’ve known beautiful women in my life.

She’s stunning
She’s absolutely amazing, I know that.

Laughs

You know what I mean. So trying to marry because of beauty is completely vain. So I think I’m in marriage for the right reasons and I absolutely love it. My wife inspires me; she’s also come to join our business. She used to work with one of the foremost telecommunications companies in Nigeria and she just resigned her position in the business just to join me in the business and I think it is a sacrifice that doesn’t come cheap. You don’t find that these days everywhere. So as far as timing or managing my time is concerned; I know when to work and I know when not to. No matter how busy it is, if get past a certain time; I’m out of that studio, because for me, family is important.  I have a role to play as a man and also head of my family and I have to inspire my kids, to lead them in the right direction, to teach them and to be there for my wife and make her feel special. And not to say I do have children. Laughs

You are speaking in like futurists term

Yes, I have time for my family no matter how busy I get, I break away once it’s time to pay attention to them and no matter I will get in the future, it is imperative for me. God is my provider and sustainer so it’s not about how much I want to burn the midnight oil; I did that enough when I was growing up as a man and before I got married. So I think it’s time for me to sit back, relax and kick it. That’s exactly what I’m doing right now.

Wow, that’s ‘Life 101’. The next thing is I can exactly see that your wife is doing a great job. Your pot belly is really showing.

I’ll do something about that.

Aaron T is a blessed artist. He sings fantastically well. People are going to see you on stage as well, you know I can’t wait to be there and I’m definitely looking forward it. You were talking about your business, you didn’t mention the name?
I run a business called Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions, CAMP for short. It’s an all-encompassing company. What we do is, we discover, nurture and develop talents out of Africa and introduce these talents to the international circuit. There’s Idacula, and he’s one talent that we’re presently managing. He’s absolutely amazing. And trust me when I say talent, I don’t just speak of the gift in because talent is not enough. There’s an amazing person, as well as a gifted guitarist and songwriter. We go out for unique and amazing people. Part of what we also do, is that we create contents for advertising agencies and we’ve worked for some of the best names. We’ve worked with from food and beverage companies to telecommunication companies, to banks; just general consumer product companies. The best in the biggest names out of Nigeria, out of Africa and internationally. And we’ve created contents for international brands. These are just some of the things we do under Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions.

Thank you very much, people would like to follow you and get you online, perhaps your music where can they do that.
My music perhaps that is interesting, this is what I have to say about my music because it’s kind of, I haven’t said it like this before but I have to come out to say this. So I’m saying this for the first time. I think I said it on Facebook. I’ve been working on my album and its due for release next year, first quarter of next year. It’s an amazing project if I say so myself, and it’s not because I’m working on it but because of the art behind it and the people that are behind it. It’s been recorded in my studios in Nigeria, and Houston. I’m working with some of the best hand. It’s just going to be amazing, it will be simple and it might disappoint some people, because it’s complete reflection of all the stuff I’ve created. It’s certainly not bubble gum music and it’s certainly not popular music, it is music that is out of my heart, it is music that is meant to bring about a change and create an atmosphere. So you will get that when that comes out. If you want to follow me on Facebook, the name is Cobhams Asuquo. And my twitter handle is Cobhams Asuquo. I would love to stay in touch.

Thank you very much for spending time with us.
I appreciate it.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow, and the next time you come into the U.K please don’t be a stranger.

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